LEGOLAND California – Star Wars The Force Awakens

Last week we were invited to attend the Grand Opening LEGOLAND California – Star Wars The Force Awakens. Our 13-year old grandson was over the top excited about both Star Wars and LEGOS being in one place at the same time. It was a first-time visit for us grandparents. However, the grandkids had been many times before. I’m here to tell you … we had a blast. An absolute blast!

LEGOLAND California is located in beautiful Carlsbad, not very far from the coast. The air is refreshing and the weather is fabulous. The actual entrance to LEGOLAND is snuggled back and in between the LEGOLAND Hotel and SEA LIFE Aquarium, just to the left of the hotel.

The festivities happened prior to LEGOLAND opening for the day. It was awesome taking our time to look at the intricate work of the new Star Wars – The Force Awakens displays in Miniland. The grand opening ceremony included Storm Troopers and the ribbon cutting was with a light saber. We’re pretty sure our family in San Diego may have caught a glimpse of us on the local news channels. There were paparazzi most everywhere!

We learned that the LEGOLAND Master Builders spent thousands of hours designing and building the new Star Wars The Force Awakens scenes. It’s really no surprise either. The builders did not spare even the most minor of details whatsoever.

We found ourselves shrinking down in size while imagining ourselves running about Jakku, interacting with Rae, BB-8 and Finn. The new Star Wars models are incredible additions to the previous Star Wars scenes.

You can just imagine Princess Amidala and Jar Jar Binks on their home planet of Naboo, with the cascading waterfalls. And yes … those waterfalls are real!

While the Storm Troopers scare me (yes … they do scare me!), Cody and Kennedy were more than happy to get up-close photos for their memory books. After all, how often can you have your photo taken with real life Storm Troopers?

And now, complete full disclosure on my part. My absolute favorite part of the entire enchanting day was when Cody was able to meet and talk with the LEGOLAND California Master Builders. They were commended for their amazing creativity and work during the grand opening ceremonies. They were, however, quietly standing in the background. But I knew immediately that Cody had to meet them. To say he was thrilled is an understatement. He couldn’t believe that they actually have careers building with LEGOS. Can you guess what Cody’s new dream job is?

As incredible as LEGOLAND Miniland is (and it truly is), it’s not all there is to see and do. There are excellent restaurants that include vegetarian and vegan options. And endless number (so it seems) of attractions. Cody and Kennedy loved their wet and wild ride on the Aquazone Wave Racers in the Imagination Zone.

I was over the moon impressed with the Kid Power Tower in Fun Town. The kids literally power themselves to the top of the tower by pulling on the rope. I love it!

We grow kids daring and adventurous in our family. Generation after generation has always liked it faster, higher, and more exciting. So it was no surprise that Cody and Kennedy were more than crazy about the Knights’ Tournament ride in Castle Hill. They rode it eight times. Eight! We have video of the grands screaming and laughing throughout the ride (see video at the end of this post).

There’s something for everyone at LEGOLAND. It’s perfect for the younger crowd. But our preteen and teen grandkids had a blast and can’t wait to go back. Next trip they want to stay at the themed LEGOLAND Hotel. The door literally opens to the entrance to LEGOLAND. It doesn’t get any better than that!

So … if you’re a Star Wars and LEGO fan, you don’t want to miss LEGO Star Wars Miniland. It is awesome!

May the Force be with you!!

He says: So many things to do and see. It’s especially entertaining for the kiddos.

She says: Amazing! The intense work and hours that go into the LEGO creations are simply amazing. My favorite thing about the day was when Cody was able to meet the LEGOLAND Master Builders. He was in awe!

Cody says: I like meeting the Master Builders. I can’t believe their job is to create and build with LEGOS!

Kennedy says: My favorite was the Knights’ Tournament. I loved going upside down and twisting around. I also want to do the Driving School again. I loved driving the cars!